Beats Studio WirelessHEADPHONES REVIEW

What it is:
This is the combination of the different use cases to evaluate how versatile the headphones are. Therefore an everyday headphone should be well-rounded enough to adapt to most situations and environments without significant losses in sound quality, design ergonomics or isolation.

What it is:
The level of audio fidelity a headphone can reproduce. Therefore a balanced and true representation of bass, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging, as well as a comfortable listening experience, is essential for critical listening.

What it is:
How well the headphones handle the loud environments involved in commuting or traveling. Therefore your listening experience should be comfortable, hassle-free and as isolated from noise as possible.

What it is:
How well-adapted the headphones are, to use while doing sports or strenuous exercise. Therefore the headphones should not be too cumbersome and deliver a stable and comfortable listening experience.

The Beats Studio Wireless are decent mixed usage headphones with a well-crafted, and stylish over-ear design. They deliver an above-average sound and don't leak much. They're comfortable, stable enough to jog with, and have a sturdy, durable design. Unfortunately, their noise canceling is weak and doesn't fare as well as some of the other noise-canceling headphones we've tested.

Update 2/16/2018:
Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
Update 9/28/2017:
The microphone has been tested with our new methodology, as explained hereUpdate 8/10/2017:
Converted to Test Bench 1.1. Learn more about our new versioned test bench system here.

Design

The Beats Studio Wireless are well-built and eye-catching. They're sturdy, comfortable, and not too bulky for an over-ear model. They feel stable enough to use at the gym, and the wireless design, and great control scheme makes them slightly better for physical activity, as your not limited or hindered by an audio cable. They also come with a good and compact hard case. However, the headband is a little thin and lightly padded, and the ear cups are a bit small for larger ears.

Style

The Beats Studio Wireless have a sleek, polished look that's not too cluttered and gives off a high-end vibe. The buttons seamlessly blend with the design of the ear cups. They don't feel bulky although they're full sized over-ear headphones. The headband is thin, and the ear cups do not protrude much when you have them on. They're eye-catching, and they're available in a variety of color schemes to suit your taste.

8.0Comfort

What it is:
Adjustability and degrees of freedom, pressure, stiffness and weight.

When it matters:
When the headphones are going to be used for long durations.

What it is:
The force that the headphones exert on your head, once you have them on. This is purely a measurement of the force applied, which does not take into account the earpad's surface area and the resulting pressure you will feel, on or around your ears.

When it matters:
The tighter the headphones, the more force they put on your head. This can get uncomfortable or cause pain and soreness during long listening sessions.

The Beats Studio Wireless are comfortable headphones that feel a bit tight on the head. The ear cups are very well-padded and relatively large enough to fit most ears. However, the headband is not as well-cushioned and feels slightly rigid. This makes the headphones a little too firm and tight at first, although, with the decent padding on the ear cups, the pressure is less noticeable during long listening sessions.

The headphones have a good control scheme that's simple and efficient to use. They provide call/music, track skipping, and volume controls. The buttons deliver good tactile feedback although they're completely flat on the ear cup.

The Beats Studio Wireless are not the most breathable headphones. Like most closed-back over-ears with a decent seal, they trap a lot of heat which will make you sweat after 30 to 40 minutes of vigorous exercise. They should be okay casual use, but they won't be ideal for more intense workout routines.

The Beats Studio Wireless have a sleek mid-sized over-ear design that's somewhat portable. They fold into a more compact format that's easier to transport with the provided hard case. They will fit into purses and smaller bags or can be hooked on your person provided they're in the case. However, they're still a bit too cumbersome to comfortably carry around hassle-free.

The Beats Studio Wireless are well-built sturdy-looking headphones. The plastic used for the ear cups feels dense and able to withstand a few falls without getting damaged. The headband has a metal frame that's tough yet flexible. They're a bit thinner and less robust than the Beats Executive, but their build quality feels high-end and well made.

Although these headphones are not designed for sports, they're sufficiently tight to stay in place during mild physical activity. They're wireless and won't accidently be pulled off your head because the audio cable got hooked on something. They're also not too heavy and won't sway much while running.

The Beats Studio Wireless are a decent sounding pair of closed-back over-ear headphones. They have a deep, consistent, and punchy bass, a neutral and well-balanced mid-range, and a very good and even treble. This makes them decently versatile and suitable for most genres from EDM to rock/pop and podcasts. However, their bass is slightly overemphasized and cluttered, and their mid-range is a little thin on vocals and lead instruments. Also, their treble lacks a bit of detail on vocals and leads and could sound sharp on S and Ts on certain tracks. Additionally, their imaging is very good, but like most other headphones they don't have a large and speaker-like soundstage.

8.6Bass

What it is:
Frequency Response from 20Hz-250Hz

When it matters:
When the material is heavy on bass frequencies, such as those of kick drums and bass guitar.

The Beats Studio Wireless have a great bass. Their LFE (low-frequency extension) is at 22Hz, which is very good. Accordingly, their low-bass is within 0.2dB of our target. This indicates a deep bass with just the right amount of thump and rumble, which is important for bass-heavy genres like EDM, Hip-hop and film scores. Mid-bass, responsible for the body of bass guitars and punch of kick drums is overemphasized by about 3dB. Also, high-bass is over our target by about 2dB, adding a bit of boominess and clutter to the sound.

What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 250Hz-500Hz.

When it matters:
Most instruments have their fundamentals or low harmonics in this range. Over-emphasis in this range sounds muddy and cluttered. Under-emphasis, thins out the vocals and lead instruments.

The Beats Studio Wireless have a very good mid-range performance. The 5dB dip around 300Hz in low-mid thins out vocals and lead instruments a bit, but it also leaves more room for the punch of the bass range to come out. Mid-mid and high-mid are within 1.5dB of our neutral target, indicating an overall well-balanced reproduction of vocals and lead instruments.

What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 2KHz-5KHz.

When it matters:
Almost all instruments rely on this range for their presence, detail, and articulation. Over-emphasis can sound harsh and painful. Under-emphasis hurts the comprehensibility of vocals and lead instruments.

What it is:
The average amount of over/under emphasis in frequency response from 5KHz-10KHz.

When it matters:
This is the sibilance range. Cymbals, vocals, and lead instruments rely on this range for brightness and presence. Over-emphasis sounds piercing and painful, under-emphasis sounds dull and lispy.

The treble performance is very good. The response is relatively even throughout the range, but a tad south of neutral. Low-treble is under our target by 1.5dB, and mid-treble is underemphasized by 2dB. This reduces the detail and brightness in vocals and lead instruments slightly. The peak at 10KHz could make S and T sounds (sibilances) a bit sharp and piercing on certain tracks.

What it is:
The average uncompensated frequency response of the headphone. For in-ears and earbuds, this corresponds to the average of 5 measurements/re-seats on the dummy head (HMS). For over/on-ear headphones, this corresponds to the average of 5 measurements/re-seats on the HMS (Head Measurement System) for the mid and treble ranges, and 5 measurements/re-seats on 5 human subjects for the bass range.

When it matters:
This is for those who want to see the raw and uncompensated frequency response of the headphone. Some of the more advanced users, are able to read and evaluate headphone frequency response in its raw form and without compensation. This will be especially useful to them if they have their own headphone compensation/target curve, which may differ from the compensation curve/target response used by RTINGS.com.

The frequency response consistency is very good. In the bass range, the maximum deviation across our five human subjects was about 3dB, which is barely noticeable. In the treble range, the maximum deviation below 10KHz is about 6dB, but only in a narrow range. This indicates a consistent delivery of bass and treble across multiple users and re-seats.

What it is:
Imaging qualities are inherent to the audio content, the headphones have to 'reproduce' them rather than 'create' them. They determine how accurately the objects are positioned in the stereo image, and how transparent the imaging is.

When it matters:
When accurate positioning of the objects in the stereo image, and clear and transparent imaging is desired.

What it is:
The average amount of group delay calculated based on a perceptual weighting filter. Group delay indicates how long it takes for each frequency to reach their maximum amplitude. This is a monaural quality and can be perceived even with one ear.

When it matters:
Headphones with lower group delay have more transparent imaging and a tighter bass. Headphones with higher group delay in the bass range tend to have a wimpy and loose bass, and headphones with higher group delay in the treble range tend to have a less transparent imaging.

What it is:
The Left/Right balance of our test unit, that is, the amount of amplitude difference between the left and right drivers. This is not a design test, but a marker for manufacturing tolerance and ergonomics.

When it matters:
When a properly balanced stereo image and low manufacturing tolerance is desired. A poor score indicates a noticeable difference in level between the left and right drivers.

What it is:
The amount of difference (Std. Err.) between the frequency response of the left and right drivers of our test unit. This is not a design test, but a marker for manufacturing tolerance and ergonomics.

When it matters:
When an even and stable stereo image, as well as a low manufacturing tolerance, is desired. A poor score indicates there may be 'holes' in the stereo image at certain frequencies.

What it is:
The amount of difference (Std. Err.) between the phase response of the left and right drivers of our test unit. This is not a design test, but a marker for manufacturing tolerance and ergonomics.

When it matters:
When an even and stable stereo image, as well as a low manufacturing tolerance is desired. A poor score indicates there may be inaccuracies in the stereo image reproduction at certain frequencies.

The imaging is very good. The weighted group delay is at 0.51 which is decent. The GD graph shows that the group delay crosses the audibility threshold significantly below 40Hz. This suggest that the sub-bass of the Studio Wireless may be a bit loose, but the rest of the bass is tight and the treble is transparent. Additionally, the L/R drivers of our test unit were very well-matched, ensuring accurate placement and localization of objects (instruments, voices, footsteps) in the stereo image.

What it is:
Soundstage qualities are not inherent to the audio content, the headphones have to 'create' them rather than 'reproduce' them. They determine whether the sound is perceived to be coming from inside or in front of the head, how open and spacious the soundstage is, how much the headphones acoustically interact with the environment, and how strong the phantom center is.

When it matters:
When an accurately produced, large and spacious soundstage, similar to that of a stereo loudspeaker setup is desired.

What it is:
The standard deviation of the PRTF (Pinna-related transfer function) of the headphones compared to a reference loudspeaker's PRTF at 30°. This quality is monaural and can be perceived even with one ear. This test does not apply to in-ears and earbuds, due to the lack of pinna interaction.

When it matters:
An accurate pinna activation is mainly responsible for how natural and speaker-like the soundstage is perceived to be. The less error in the shape of the PRTF, the more natrual and speaker-like the perception of the soundstage will be. High amounts of error may indicate a soundstage that is unnatural or odd.

What it is:
The average amplitude of the PRTF (Pinna-related transfer function) of the headphones compared to that of a reference loudspeaker's PRTF at 30°. This quality is monaural and can be perceived even with one ear. This test does not apply to in-ears and earbuds, due to the lack of pinna interaction.

When it matters:
This value is responsible for the perceived size of the soundstage. The higher the value, the larger the perceived size of the soundstage. However, values above the reference (5.0dB) could result in a soundstage that is perceived as unnatural or odd.

What it is:
The depth of the "10KHz notch" of the headphone's PRTF, which is caused by phase cancellations at the concha. This quality is monaural and can be perceived even with one ear. This test does not apply to in-ears and earbuds, due to the lack of pinna interaction.

When it matters:
This value is mainly responsible for the perceived distance and elevation of the soundstage. A small distance value may result in a soundstage that is perceived to be located inside the head. Larger values may help pull the soundstage out from inside of the head and bring it to the front.

What it is:
How open the headphones are, and how open and spacious they sound. This quality is monaural and can be perceived even with one ear. This test differentiates between acoustically and electronically produced crosstalk and only takes the acoustically generated crosstalk into account. This value is the inverse of the Noise Isolation test score, and could be indirectly related the acoustic impedance of the headphones.

When it matters:
When a headphone with a sense of an open, and spacious soundstage is desired. A value of 10 indicates a fully open headphone, and a value of 0 indicates a fully closed headphone.

What it is:
How loud the headphones are, and how much they excite their environment acoustically. If the headphones are loud and open enough, the sound leaking from the headphones will be affected by the environment (reflections/reverb) before reflecting back into the open headphones and to the listener's ears. This quality is monaural and can be perceived even with one ear. This value is the inverse of the Leakage test score.

When it matters:
Headphones with higher excitation values, similar to openness, tend to have soundstages that are perceived as more open and spacious.

What it is:
How strong and solid the phantom center is. This is mostly a stereo quality and its effects on mono content are minimal. This test is sensitive to the phase of the crosstalk and whether it is produced acoustically or electronically.

When it matters:
When a true reproduction of the stereo image is desired. A value of 0 indicates no crosstalk, or that the existing crosstalk is not correlated enough to affect the phantom center. A negative score means the crosstalk is out of phase with the original signal, resulting in a slightly wider stereo image at the expense of creating a 'hole' at the center of the stereo field. A positive score means the crosstalk is in phase and positively affecting the phantom center.

The soundstage is poor. The PRTF graph shows no pinna interaction/activation until 5KHz, and there is no "10KHz notch" present either. Since creating a speaker-like soundstage is dependent on an accurate and adequate pinna interaction, Studio Wireless' soundstage that will perceived to be relatively small and located inside the listener's head, as opposed to in-front.

The harmonic distortion performance is decent. The overall level of harmonic distortion is rather elevated throughout the mid and treble ranges, but the bass range shows above-average THD performance. This suggests that the Beats Studio Wireless may be able to take some EQ bass boost, before getting distorted.

Isolation

The Beats Studio Wireless have a subpar noise isolation performance. The active noise canceling is oddly ineffective at reducing mid-range frequencies. This means they will block some of the low-frequency, rumbling noise of the engine on a bus, but the ambient chatter will seep right through. Luckily, they have a decent seal that doesn't leak much, so at sufficiently high volumes the audio your playing could mask some the ambient noise.

5.0Noise Isolation

What it is:
How much outside noise is blocked out by putting the headphones on.

When it matters:
If the headphones are going to be used in a noisy envinronment (airplane, subway, etc.)

What it is:
The simulated noise isolation of the headphones, demonstrating how much outside noise is blocked out by putting the headphones on. This recording is created using an EQ and is not an actual recording. For headphones with ANC (active noise cancellation), the playback simulates the isolation with ANC enabled.

When it matters:
When the headphones are going to be used in a noisy envinronment (airplane, subway, etc.)

The isolation performance is mediocre. In the bass range, where the rumble of bus and airplane engines sit, they reduce outside sounds by about 8dB, which is about average. In the mid-range, important for blocking out speech, the Beats Studio Wireless achieved an isolation of 7dB, which is below-average. In the treble range, occupied by sharp S and T sounds, they reduce noise by more than 36dB, which is good.

The leakage performance is quite good. The significant portion of their leakage is between 1KHz and 5KHz, which is a relatively narrow range. This shows that most of the sounds leaking out will be vocals and lead instruments, and not much bass or lower instruments. The overall level of the leakage is not loud either. With the music at 100dB SPL, the leakage of the headphones will peak at 60dB SPL at foot away, which is just above the noise floor of most offices.

Microphone

What it is:
The microphone section shows the quality of speech capture and transmission by the mic, as well as how well the microphone under test handles noisy environments.

When it matters:
For your speech to be transmitted to and understood properly by the listener, the microphone needs to have a good recording quality. If the environment the microphone is being used in is noisy, a microphone with a good noise handling performance would be needed as well.

What it is:
The microphone integrated in the ear cup or ear bud of a wireless headphone.

When it matters:
For calls, gaming and voice over IP software or for any other use of the microphone.

Good value:
Yes

:
Yes

In-line

What it is:
The microphone inside the in-line remote of audio cables for wired and wireless headsets.

When it matters:
In-line microphone are usually better than integrated mics. If you need better recording quality and noise handling for calls, gaming and voice over IP software then use the audio cable of your wired or wireless headphone if it has an inline microphone.

Good value:
Yes

:
Yes

Boom

What it is:
A typically better microphone, that's also adjustable and extends so that the mic is closer to your mouth.

When it matters:
Much better recording quality and noise handling than in-line or integrated mics. Primarily used for gaming and voice over IP software.

Good value:
Yes

:
No

Detachable Boom

What it is:
A boom mic that is detachable from the headset.

When it matters:
If you want to use your headphone outdoors without the bulk and hassle of the Boom mic.

:
N/A

The Beats Studio Wireless have an average microphone. In quiet environments, speech recorded or transmitted with this mic will sound noticeably thin, as well as muffled and lacking in detail. However, it'll still be relatively easy to understand. In noisy environments, they tend to do well in moderately loud places like a busy street or office, but they will struggle to separate speech from ambient noise in very loud situations, like a busy street or gaming competition.

6.2Recording Quality

What it is:
Microphone recording quality shows how natural, neutral, extended and intelligible speech would be with the device under test, in a quiet environment.

When it matters:
A microphone with a good recording quality ensures that the person listening to you would hear a full, clear, and easily understandable speech. Therefore, it is important whenever a good quality of speech transmission and intelligibility is needed.

What it is:
Low-frequency extension shows how deep the bass response of the microphone is, and therefore, how deep and full your voice would sound to the listener. It is the lowest frequency at which the frequency response reaches -3dB of the target response.

When it matters:
LFE is not a big factor in speech intelligibility and even speech recorded with a mic that has an LFE of 500Hz could still be easily understood. Therefore, it is mostly important if you are concerned with how deep and full your voice would be heard.

What it is:
Frequency Response Standard Deviation shows how accurately and balanced sound is captured by the microphone at each frequency. FR Std. Dev. is calculated between LFE and HFE, and the rest of the spectrum is ignored.

When it matters:
A good frequency response is desired when a natural and neutral speech quality is desired. As opposed to HFE which is more a metric for speech intelligibility, frequency response could be considered as a metric for a natural and neutral sound.

What it is:
High-frequency extension is the highest frequency at which the frequency response reaches -3dB of the target response. It shows how extended the treble response of the microphone is.

When it matters:
HFE is one the most important factors in speech intelligibility. The higher the HFE, the brighter, more open, and more extended the speech quality will be which makes it a lot easier to understand by the listener.

What it is:
Shows how much louder the microphone can go above our reference loudness level. The gain value is reported relative to our reference level, which is 94dB at a distance of 5cm from the mouth.

When it matters:
A microphone with a high gain is important when the input signal (speech) is very quiet. For example when whispering, or talking on the phone in a library.

The recording quality of the microphone is mediocre. The LFE (low-frequency extension) of 391 suggests a speech that is noticeably thin sounding. Also, the HFE (high-frequency extension) of 3.5KHz, indicates a recorded/transmitted speech that is muffled and lacking in detail. However, it'll still be decently intelligible, since speech intelligibility is mostly dependent on the 500Hz-4KHz range.

What it is:
Speech to Noise Ratio is the difference in level between speech and background noise as heard by the listener

When it matters:
If the microphone is going to be used in a noisy environment, it is important for it to be able to separate the speech from background noise, so the voice would be easily audible and understandable.

The integrated microphone is decent at noise handling. In our SpNR test, they achieved a speech-to-noise ratio of 19dB, meaning they should be able to handle moderately loud environments. But they will struggle to separate speech from background noise in very loud places.

Active Features

What it is:
Headphones with active components that require a battery. This includes noise cancelling and wireless headphones that actively reduce noise or transmit audio via a wireless connection.

When it matters:
How suitable the power and wireless specifications of an active headphone will be, depending on your listening habits. The range and/or discharge time of the active headphone you select will be important if you're often on the move or have long uninterrupted listening sessions.

The Beats Studio Wireless have a decent battery life of 11.4 and don't take too long to charge. They should be good enough to last you throughout the day but they won't be as good the new Studio3 Wireless for more heavy users. Unfortunately, they have no app support so they won't be as customizable as some of the other wireless noise-canceling headphones like the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless. On the upside, they have passive playback when the battery dies which the newer model does not.

7.2Battery

What it is:
The power source of your headphones. All headphones with active features have a battery that will deplete over time.

When it matters:
To continue using the active features of your headphones. Some models lose features or switch off completely when the battery is drained, which limits what you can do with them until the next charge.

What it is:
The type of battery that the headphones use. Usually AAA or embedded, Li-ion rechargeable batteries.

When it matters:
When your headphones run out of power. Rechargeable batteries usually charge via the headphones Micro-USB port whereas AAA batteries have to be replaced or charged with an external device.

What it is:
Some active headphones remain usable while charging. They continue to stream audio and do not disable other active features.

When it matters:
This makes sure that your headphones's battery are not being drained when your relatively close to a power source. However, this means wireless headphones will need a wired connection to the power source during the charging process.

The Beats Studio Wireless have an average at best battery life that delivers only 12 hours of continuous playback. They don't take too long to charge via USB and can continue streaming audio while charging. However, they won't be the ideal headphones to take on a long road trip or particularly lengthy flights. They also don't have any battery saving features, like an auto-off timer, so they will quickly run out of power if you forget to turn them off.

What it is:
The additional app provided to enhance your listening experience. They typically deliver a set of practical features that give you more control over the sound, noise cancelling and effects that the headphones produce.

When it matters:
An app with a lot of features allows you to customize your listening experience to suit your taste and preferences. For example, additions like an equalizer can give you more bass or treble and room effects can simulate a bigger Soundstage in closed back headphones.

The Beats Studio Wireless are Bluetooth headphones that do not support simultaneous multi-device pairing and NFC but come with an iOS-optimized audio cable. The cable offers a secondary connection option in case you do not want to use Bluetooth or the headphone runs out of battery. It also has an inline mic that is compatible with the PS4 but not the Xbox One. Unfortunately, like most Bluetooth headphones, the Studio Wireless have a bit too much latency to for watching movies or gaming.

6.0Bluetooth

What it is:
Bluetooth support for wireless headphones.

When it matters:
To connect wirelessly to Bluetooth sources like your phone, tablet, console, PC and TV.

Score components:

80%
Multi-Device Pairing

20%
NFC

<1%
PS4 Compatible

<1%
Xbox One Compatible

Score distribution:

Bluetooth Version
:
4.0

Multi-Device Pairing

What it is:
A Bluetooth profile that allows some headphones to be simultaneously connected to multiple Bluetooth sources, and have full call and media support on both/all devices they are connected to.

When it matters:
To quickly switch between your Bluetooth sources. For example, switching from your phone to your home or work PC and still have call and media support on both devices.

Good value:
2 devices.

:
No

NFC

What it is:
Near Field Communication technology that allows you to quickly, pair your headphones with your Bluetooth and NFC-enabled device.

When it matters:
This makes pairing with an NFC-enabled device a lot easier than the typical and often tedious hold-to-pair procedure that most wireless headphones have.

Good value:
Yes

:
No

PS4 Compatible

What it is:
Bluetooth compatibility with the PlayStation 4.

When it matters:
To connect your headphones wirelessly with your PS4.

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
No

Xbox One Compatible

What it is:
Bluetooth compatibility with the Xbox One.

When it matters:
To connect your headphones wirelessly with your Xbox one.

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
No

These headphones connect wirelessly via Bluetooth but cannot pair simultaneously with multiple devices. They also do not have NFC support and their hold to pair procedure can be a bit confusing and unintuitive at times.

8.5Wired

What it is:
The type and compatibility of audio cables for wired and wireless headphones.

When it matters:
For all devices with a regular audio jack (line-out) and also compatibility of the in-line remote/boom microphone with consoles and Personal computers.

Score components:

13%
Analog

9%
USB

26%
PS4 Compatible

26%
Xbox One Compatible

26%
PC Compatible

Score distribution:

Cable Tested
:
iOS

Analog

What it is:
A regular 1/8" TRS audio jack or a 1/4 or 1/16 TRS with a 1/8 TRS adapter.

When it matters:
For all devices with a line out.

Good value:
Yes

:
Yes

USB

What it is:
A USB or USB adapter to connect to your devices for audio and microphone.

When it matters:
A digital USB adapter usually offers a slight advantages over a regular audio jack, like a DAC, and amplifier module or software support and compatibility with PCs. However it may not be as compatible with consoles.

Good value:
Yes

:
No

PS4 Compatible

What it is:
PS4 compatibility with a regular 3 or 4 pin 1/8 TRS audio cable.

When it matters:
When you want to use a wired headphone with your PS4

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
Audio + Microphone

Xbox One Compatible

What it is:
Xbox One compatibility with a regular 3 or 4 pin 1/8 TRS audio cable.

When it matters:
When you want to use a wired headphone with your Xbox One

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
Audio Only

PC Compatible

What it is:
PC compatibility with a regular 3 or 4 pin 1/8 TRS audio cable.

When it matters:
When you want to use a wired headphone with your PC.

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
Audio + Microphone

They come with an iOS-specific cable with an in-line remote microphone that's compatible with the PS4 but not the Xbox One. This gives them a secondary connection option, which is better for watching videos due to the almost negligible latency when using an audio cable.

0Base/Dock

What it is:
The base station, dock or dongle transmitter of wireless headphones that receive data/audio via a proprietary frequency range.

When it matters:
Knowing the inputs and outputs of the base/dock/dongle as well as its compatibility with consoles and Personal Computers. Also whether the base supports dock charging to easily recharge the headphones without any cables.

Score components:

5%
Optical Input

22%
Line In

5%
Line Out

22%
USB Input

4%
RCA Input

9%
PS4 Compatible

9%
Xbox One Compatible

9%
PC Compatible

2%
Power Supply

13%
Dock Charging

Score distribution:

Wireless Type

What it is:
The type of wireless connection used by the base station/dock to communicate with the headphones.

When it matters:
For latency and range. For example Radio frequency has low latency but mediocre range when obstructed and proprietary docks have their own 2.x GHz or 5 GHz frequency which varies in performance.

:
N/A

Optical Input

What it is:
Optical input for audio.

When it matters:
Optical can carry a bit more data at faster speeds than typical wired connection which allows for more high quality, lossless audio.

Good value:
Yes

:
N/A

Line In

What it is:
The regular wired input via a 1/8" TRS audio jack.

When it matters:
For any device that has a line out for audio transmission.

Good value:
Yes

:
N/A

Line Out

What it is:
A regular 1/8TRS audio jack output.

When it matters:
If you need to share the audio source with other devices. A line out lets you connect other headphones or speakers to the dock/base station.

Good value:
Yes

:
N/A

USB Input

What it is:
A digital USB input instead of a typical 1/8 TRS line-in.

When it matters:
A USB connection can provide both an audio input and power to the Dock or Base station.

:
N/A

RCA Input

What it is:
Audio input using via an RCA connectors.

When it matters:
Provides better stereo audio to the dock/base that's then transmitted to the headphones.

Good value:
Yes

:
N/A

PS4 Compatible

What it is:
Dock/Base station compatibility with the PlayStation 4.

When it matters:
To be able to use all the features of the dock/base station with out losing audio or microphone capability.

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
N/A

Xbox One Compatible

What it is:
Dock/Base station compatibility with the Xbox One.

When it matters:
To be able to use all the features of the dock/base station with out losing audio or microphone capability.

:
N/A

PC Compatible

What it is:
Dock/Base station compatibility with your Personal Computer.

When it matters:
To be able to use all the features of the dock/base station with out losing audio or microphone capability.

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
N/A

Power Supply

What it is:
The connector type of the power source.

When it matters:
The accessibility of the power source. For example a power supply with USB/USB-C connects to multiple devices, PC , PS4, Xbox One or even with your regular phone charger whereas a A/C adapter is less common.

Good value:
USB/USB-C

:
N/A

Dock Charging

What it is:
Charging the headphones via the dock/base station instead of a charging cable.

When it matters:
It makes charging your headphones easier and gives you a sport to store your headphones when they are not in use.

Good value:
Yes

:
N/A

They do not have a base/dock. If you want a versatile headset with a base that you can also use wired, check out the SteelSeries Arctis 7.

8.2Wireless Range

What it is:
Headphones that offer a cable-free listening experience over a wireless network, typically via Bluetooth or radio frequency.

When it matters:
If you don't want to be limited by the length of an audio cable. This means having the freedom to move around in your home or office with a much greater range than an audio cable could provide, especially, if the Bluetooth source is heavy or difficult to carry. Note that wireless range also depends on your Bluetooth sources' signal strength which may vary from device to device or depending on your phone model.

What it is:
The range that the wireless headphones can reach before dropping any audio when the Bluetooth source was placed in another room. We test our obstructed range with a Moto E4 Plus. Results may vary depending on your phone model or Bluetooth source.

When it matters:
If you can't or prefer not to carry your Bluetooth source on you, while listening to your audio in an indoor environment. Although, the obstructed wireless range will slightly depend on your home or office layout. Note that wireless range also depends on your Bluetooth sources' signal strength which may vary from device to device or depending on your phone model.

The Beats Studio Wireless have an above-average wireless range that's suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The obstructed range is a convenient 40ft that allows listeners to move about in their homes without much audio drop however they won't be the farthest reaching headphones in large offices.

3.0Latency

What it is:
How long it takes for audio to play through your headphones once the audio signal has been sent from a source.

When it matters:
When gaming or watching movies. High latency means you will hear the audio much later than the images you see on screen.

The studio wireless have a bit too much latency for watching a lot of video content. It's not much worse than most Bluetooth headphones at 180ms but it won't be ideal for gaming and you may notice the slight sync issues when watching movies.

In the box

Beats Studio Wireless Headphones

Carrying case

Audio cable

USB cable

Manual

Compared to other Headphones

The Beats Studio are well-designed and comfortable over wireless headphones. They have a slick build quality that feels decently durable and is stable enough for running but won't be ideal for more intense sports (see our recommendations for the best over-ear headphones for working out). They also have an above average frequency response that delivers a good amount of bass without being overpowering like some of the older Beats models. Unfortunately, their noise cancellation is fairly weak compared to some of the more recent headphones available on the marker and they have no app support for added customization options.

The Beats Studio3 Wireless are a slightly better headset than the Skullcandy Crushers. The Beats have a sleeker more comfortable design that most will prefer over the Skullcandy. The Beats are also noise canceling headphones that are a bit more suitable for commuting, and they leak a lot less so you can use them in quieter environments too. Lastly, they have a more balanced sound and a longer wireless range than the Skullcandy. On the other hand, the Crusher wireless have an adjustable sound even without EQ. They also have a longer battery life and a slightly better latency performance with non-iOS devices.

The Plantronics Backbeat Pro are slightly better headphones than the Beats Studio Wireless. The Backbeat Pro have a better control scheme than the Beats. They also have a longer battery life and a better wireless range. On the other hand, the Beats have a more balanced sound quality but do not pack as much bass. They also have a more comfortable and sleek-looking design, and that's a bit more stable for physical activity.

The Studio3 Wireless are the updated version of the Studio Wireless design. They have better isolation thanks to their adaptive noise canceling. They have an above-average sound quality and a comfortable over-ear fit. However, their dynamic audio reproduction tends to sound a bit inconsistent at times. The Studio3 are better overall than the original Studio Wireless, especially for their active features. They have better noise canceling and almost twice the range and battery life of the originals but do not have passive playback which is slightly disappointing. If you have the budget, get the Studio3 instead, but the Studio Wireless are still a decent and cheaper alternative.

The Beats Solo3 Wireless are the most up-to-date version of the wireless on-ear design by Beats. They deliver a better-balanced sound quality than the Studio Wireless. They also have more than twice the wireless range and battery life of the Studios thanks to the W1 chip. They're more portable but also less comfortable since they have a tight-fitting on-ear design. If you want a more portable option and like the Studio Wireless's look and style, then the Solo3 are a good longer-lasting alternative to the Studio Wireless.

The Bose QuietComfort 25 have excellent noise canceling which makes them better-commuting headphones than the Studio Wireless. They're lightweight, super comfortable and deliver an above-average sound quality. However, they are not wireless which makes them a bit less convenient for everyday casual use when compared to the Beats. Their design is also a bit less stable for running and to use at the gym. If noise cancellation is your top priority, then the Bose are the better alternative but if you need a wireless design, the Studio are good, decent sounding options with a comfortable and stylish looking design.

The Sony MDR-1000X are the older model of the WH-1000xm2. They have the same design and a similar performance but do not benefit from the customizable app of the newer model. On the upside, they have a much better noise cancellation performance than the Studio Wireless which makes them more suitable for commuting and loud environments. They have a better sound quality and look a bit more premium but are also a lot bulkier and more unstable for physical activities. If you need a lot of isolation, the Sony MDR-1000X are a better option than the Studio Wireless but the slick design of the Beats and slightly lower price point may be more appealing for some.

Conclusion

What it is:
This is the combination of the different use cases to evaluate how versatile the headphones are. Therefore an everyday headphone should be well-rounded enough to adapt to most situations and environments without significant losses in sound quality, design ergonomics or isolation.

The Beats Studio Wireless are an above-average pair of mixed usage headphones. They're sleek yet durable. They're comfortable and relatively compact for an over-ear model. They make decent sports headphones, and their sound is also good enough for recording and casual listening. However, they don't isolate enough for noisy commutes and loud environments.

7.3Critical Listening

What it is:
The level of audio fidelity a headphone can reproduce. Therefore a balanced and true representation of bass, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging, as well as a comfortable listening experience, is essential for critical listening.

Above-average for critical listening. They have a good audio reproduction that's balanced and punchy enough for most listeners. However, they lack a little soundstage due to their comparatively small and closed ear cups.

What it is:
How well the headphones handle the loud environments involved in commuting or traveling. Therefore your listening experience should be comfortable, hassle-free and as isolated from noise as possible.

Decent for commuting. They have a sleek wireless design that's not too cumbersome to use or carry around. However, the weak noise canceling alone is not sufficient for the ambient noise of a bus or train ride.

What it is:
How well-adapted the headphones are, to use while doing sports or strenuous exercise. Therefore the headphones should not be too cumbersome and deliver a stable and comfortable listening experience.

Above-average for sports use. The Beats Studio Wireless have comfortable and stable wireless design with a decent control scheme. However, although relatively compact for an over-ear model, they're still full-sized headphones that will sway and get steamy during intense workouts.

Mediocre-at-best for home theater use. They're comfortable enough to wear for hours and have a good wireless range. Unfortunately, they also have fairly high latency which won't be ideal for watching movies but on the upside, they have an audio cable so you can use them wired with your PC or tablet but may need an extension cord for a home theater setup.

Below-average for gaming. The Beats Studio Wireless are comfortable, have a great range, and easy to use controls but the latency will be a deal breaker for most. They also have no customizable options and a mediocre at best microphone.